Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Margarita Cupcakes

My friend Todd's birthday was on Cinco de Mayo so I made him Margarita Cupcakes in celebration. I got the recipe from Baked by Joanna's blog. These cupcakes were suuuper delicious. They're basically lime cupcakes with a hint of tequila. Definitely a fresh alternative to chocolate and vanilla. The frosting recipe doesn't make a whole lot of frosting, but it's so strong you really shouldn't put more than a thin layer on each cupcake. Here are a few pics of mine (you can see really nicely done ones on Joanna's blog):

And now the recipe. I re-wrote some of it because it makes more sense to me when recipes are split up into batter and frosting:

2. Beat butter and the granulated sugar together until creamy. Then, beat in the eggs, egg white, and oil gradually.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the milk, lime juice, and vanilla extract. Alternate adding the milk mixture and then the flour mixture into the beaten butter until all has been incorporated.

4. Add the lime zest to the batter and mix.

5. Fill each baking liner about two-thirds full with batter, and bake for about 17 minutes (golden yellow). Once complete, set aside to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Directions:1. To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy; then add 1 cup confectioners' sugar and continue to mix. Once thoroughly combined, add the tequila, remaining lime juice, vanilla, lime zest and salt until smooth and creamy. Finish by beating in the remaining 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar a third at a time.

7. Lightly frost the cooled cupcakes and cover the sides with sanding sugar; similar to a ring of salt on the rim of a margarita glass.